Sports court designed with three sections

ABSTRACT

A portable system for playing sports and methods of providing the same are described. In its assembled form, the system can have a generally two-dimensional configuration. The system includes a first member that defines an outer boundary of a sports court, and a second member that defines a space between opposing sides of the court. The first and second members can be movable with respect to one another so as to adjust the size and position of the space. The horizontally-extending space can take the place of a net that would otherwise be present in a system for playing net sports. The system also include anchors that anchor the first and second members to the ground.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/907,940, filed Nov. 22, 2013, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application relates to portable systems for playing net sports such as volleyball and badminton.

2. Description of the Related Technology

Volleyball, badminton, tennis, and variations thereof are sports in which two players or teams of players are separated by a vertically-extending net supported by poles at each end of the net. Portable net systems exist which allow users to set up a volleyball (or other net sport) court outdoors, for example at the beach or in a park. These systems typically comprise a net, poles for mounting the net, and stakes or other supports for stabilizing the poles in the ground.

SUMMARY

In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods of providing a portable system for playing sports are provided.

In a first aspect, a portable system for playing sports, includes a first member configured to define an outer boundary of a sports court, a second member configured to define a space between opposing sides of the sports court, and a plurality of anchors configured to anchor the first and second members to the ground. The second member can be movable with respect to the first member so as to adjust the position of the space between the opposing sides. The second member can be adjustable so as to vary the size of the space between the opposing sides. The first and second members can comprise a material having a generally linear configuration. The first and second members can comprise cord, strap, and/or rope. The first and second members can have a generally planar configuration, at least when in an assembled position. The second member can be operatively coupled to the first member, or can be separate from the first member. The first member can comprise two back line portions and two side line portions, the side line portions being configured to extend generally perpendicularly to the back line portions, at least when in an assembled position. One or both of the back line portions can be operatively coupled to the side line portions at two corner portions. The second member can comprise two interior line portions, the interior line portions being configured to extend generally perpendicularly to the side line portions, at least when in an assembled position. One or both of the interior line portions can be operatively coupled to both of the side line portions. One or both of the interior line portions can be slidably movable along the side line portions to adjust the position of the at least one interior line portion with respect to the first member. The anchors can comprise stakes, bags, fasteners (such as, for example, hook and loop fasteners), and/or adhesive. The first member can extend partway around or continuously about the outer boundary of the sports court.

In another aspect, a method of providing a portable system for playing sports is provided. The method includes providing a first member configured to define an outer boundary of a sports court, providing a second member configured to define a space between opposing sides of the sports court, and providing a plurality of anchors configured to anchor the first and second members to the ground. The second member can be movable with respect to the first member so as to adjust the position of the space between the opposing sides. The second member can be adjustable so as to vary the size of the space between the opposing sides. The first and second members can comprise a material having a generally linear configuration. The first and second members can have a generally planar configuration, at least when in an assembled position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of certain embodiments which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the invention. The drawings contain the following figures:

FIG. 1A is a top plan view of one example of a portable system for playing sports, configured in accordance with an embodiment and shown in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 1B is a front elevation view of the system shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a side elevation view of the system shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of another example of a portable system for playing sports, configured in accordance with an embodiment and shown in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 2B is a front elevation view of the system shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C is a side elevation view of the system shown in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a partially cut away perspective view illustrating one example of an anchor that can be used in embodiments;

FIG. 3B is a partially cut away perspective view illustrating another example of an anchor that can be used in embodiments;

FIG. 3C is a partially cut away perspective view illustrating still another example of an anchor that can be used in embodiments;

FIG. 3D is a partially cut away perspective view illustrating yet another example of an anchor that can be used in embodiments; and

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a method of providing a portable system for playing sports, in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE EMBODIMENTS

Conventional portable systems for playing net sports are bulky, unwieldy, and difficult to assemble and disassemble. They also require firm anchoring in the ground to ensure that the net does not fall over during play. Thus, these types of systems do not allow for play on hard or solid surfaces, such as a concrete driveway or patio.

In contrast, embodiments of the invention provide a system for playing net sports (and variations thereof) which is lightweight and compact in its unassembled configuration, easy to assemble and disassemble, and easily adaptable for use on turf or sand, as well as on hard or solid surfaces. Embodiments generally include a first member that defines an outer boundary of a sports court, and a second member that defines a space between opposing sides of the court. Embodiments can also include one or more anchors configured to anchor the first and/or second members to the ground. In embodiments, the first and second members can have a generally two-dimensional configuration, at least when in their assembled form. Thus, in embodiments, the horizontally-extending space defined by the second member can take the place of a net that might otherwise be present in a system for playing net sports. Accordingly, embodiments allow games that typically require a net to be played without a physical net. In some embodiments, the first and second members can be movable with respect to one another so as to adjust the size and position of the space relative to the outer boundary. Thus, some embodiments provide a way to even the odds between players (or teams of players) if one player (or one team) is more skilled than the other.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1A illustrates one example of a system 100 for playing sports. FIG. 1A shows a top plan view of the system 100 in an assembled configuration, ready for play. The system 100 includes a first member 102 which defines an outer boundary of a sports court, and a second member 104 which defines a space 106 between opposing sides 108 and 110 of the sports court. The sports court defined by the system 100 thus includes three sections: first and second opposing sides 108, 110, and a space 106 in between the two sides 108, 110. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, the court and/or the space 106 can have a generally rectangular shape, at least in plan view, although other shapes are of course possible.

As can be seen in FIG. 1A, the first member 102 can extend continuously about the boundary of the sports court, and can include two opposing back line portions 112, 114 and two opposing side line portions 116, 118. The back line portions 112, 114 and the side line portions 116, 118 can be connected together at corner portions 120 as illustrated in FIG. 1A, or they can be separate from one another. The second member 104 can include two interior line portions 122, 124. The interior line portions 122, 124 can be connected together or separate from one another, as illustrated in FIG. 1A. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, each of the interior line portions 122, 124 is operatively coupled to each of the side line portions 116, 118 at junctures 126. The junctures can include loops, knots (for example, slipknots), hooks, buttons, snaps, or any other suitable means for coupling the interior line portions 122, 124 to the side line portions 116, 118. In some embodiments, the interior line portions 122, 124 can be coupled to the side line portions 116, 118 in such a manner that they are movable along the length of the side line portions 116, 118 in the direction indicated by arrow A. For example, in an embodiment in which the junctures 126 comprise knots, the interior line portions 122, 124 can be slidable along the length of the side line portions 116, 118. As another example, in an embodiment in which the junctures 126 comprise hooks, snaps, or buttons, the side line portions 116, 118 can be provided at multiple locations for positioning such junctures. By such a configuration, the size and position of the space 106 can be adjusted as desired, for example to make the space 106 larger, or to make one side 108, 110 larger than the other.

With continued reference to FIG. 1A, the system 100 also includes several anchors 130 configured to anchor the system on the ground. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1A, four anchors 130 are provided which are located at the corner portions 120. More or fewer anchors can also be provided, in the same or different locations.

In some embodiments, the interior line portions 122, 124 can be the same or substantially the same length as the back line portions 112, 114. In other embodiments, the interior line portions 122, 124 can be slightly shorter than the back line portions, such that the interior line portions 122, 124 can be pulled taut when the anchors 130 at the four corners 120 are anchored, without necessarily requiring separate anchoring of the junctures 126 to the ground. In still other embodiments, the interior line portions 122, 124 can be longer than the back line portions 112, 114, such that they extend past the side line portions when the system 100 is assembled for play. Of course, in some embodiments, additional anchors 130 can be provided at or near the junctures 126 to provide an even more secure anchoring of these points.

FIG. 1B is a front elevation view of the system 100, and FIG. 1C is a side elevation view of the system 100. As can be seen in these figures, the first and second members 102, 104 can have a generally two-dimensional or planar configuration, at least in their assembled state.

FIG. 2A illustrates another example of a system 200 for playing sports, which can have a similar configuration to the system 100 in many aspects. FIG. 2A shows a top plan view of the system 200 in an assembled configuration, ready for play. The system 200 includes a first member 202 which defines an outer boundary of a sports court, and a second member 204 which defines a space 206 between opposing sides 208 and 210 of the sports court.

As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the first member 202 can include two opposing back line portions 212, 214 and two opposing side line portions 216, 218. The back line portions 212, 214 and the side line portions 216, 218 can be connected together at corner portions 220 as illustrated in FIG. 2A, or they can be separate from one another. The second member 204 can include two interior line portions 222, 224. The interior line portions 222, 224 can be connected together or separate from one another, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the interior line portions 222, 224 are separate from the first member 202. The interior line portions 222, 224 are also longer than the back line portions 212, 214, such that they can extend past the side line portions 216, 218 when assembled.

With continued reference to FIG. 2A, the system 200 also includes several anchors 230 configured to anchor the system 200 on the ground. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2A, eight anchors 230 are provided: four at the corner portions 220, and two at each end of each of the interior line portions 222, 224. More or fewer anchors can also be provided, in the same or different locations. Thus, the second member 204 can be anchored independently from the first member 202. In addition, the interior lines 222, 224 can be anchored independently of one another. Thus, the size and position of the space 206 can be adjusted as desired by moving one or both of the interior lines 222, 224 in the direction indicated by arrow A, for example to make the space 206 larger, or to make one side 208, 210 larger than the other.

FIG. 2B is a front elevation view of the system 200, and FIG. 2C is a side elevation view of the system 200. As can be seen in these figures, the first and second members 202, 204 can have a generally two-dimensional or planar configuration, at least in their assembled state.

In embodiments, the first and second members can comprise any material suitable for their intended purpose. For example, in some embodiments, the first and second members can comprise a material having a generally linear configuration, such as cord, strap, or rope comprising natural or synthetic material. The material can be selected to be lightweight, durable, and to avoid tangling when the system is disassembled and stored. The first and second members can comprise the same material or different materials, or various combinations of materials. The first and second members can be brightly colored to provide visibility. In some embodiments, the first and second members can be differently colored, which may aid in identifying the various lines during assembly.

With reference now to FIGS. 3A through 3D, various examples of anchors 330 are illustrated which can be used with embodiments. FIG. 3A shows an anchor 330 a comprising a stake which can be inserted into the ground, for example in turf. The anchor 330 a is shown anchoring a corner portion 320 in a first member 302 defining a boundary of a sports court. The anchor 330 can be staked directly through a loop 332 formed in the first member 302 at the corner portion 320, or it can be staked through a tether or strap 334 which is coupled to the loop 332 as shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3B shows an anchor 330 b comprising a bag which can be filled with material such as sand or rocks to anchor a system to the ground, for example at the beach. The anchor 330 b is shown anchoring the corner portion 320, and can be connected to the corner portion directly via the loop 332, or indirectly via the strap 334.

FIG. 3C shows an anchor 330 c comprising a fastener having an adhesive on one side. The fastener can be a hook-and-loop fastener, or a strap with a hook, snap, or button, or any other type of suitable fastener. The adhesive on the fastener can be used to anchor a system to solid or hard ground, for example on a gym floor or on concrete. The anchor 330 c is shown anchoring the corner portion 320, and can be connected to the corner portion via the loop 332, or in any other suitable fashion. FIG. 3D better illustrates the configuration of one example of such an anchor 330 c, which includes a hook and loop fastener comprising a hook portion 340, a loop portion 342, and an adhesive layer 344 on one side of the loop portion 342. The adhesive can be strong enough to anchor the system to a hard or solid surface, while still being removable and reusable.

Of course, in embodiments, the corner portions 320 in various embodiments can have a variety of other configurations in addition to the configurations illustrated in FIGS. 3A through 3D, and the anchors 330 can be secured to the corner portion 320 in any suitable fashion. For example, in some embodiments, a loop, ring, flag, slipknot, or other structure may be provided at each corner to help facilitate identification of the corners during assembly and/or to facilitate anchoring of the corners. Such structures may be adjustable along the length of the first member so as to allow for adjustment of the overall size and/or aspect ratio of a court. In other embodiments, the “corners” need not include any special structure or indicators at all; instead, the corners can be created by the user in a freeform fashion during assembly and anchoring. In embodiments in which the second member is separate from the first, or is otherwise separately anchored from the first, the ends of the interior lines can take a similar form to the corners, or any form suitable for their intended purpose.

Embodiments including first and second members formed primarily of rope, cord, strap, or other flexible material can be easily disassembled (by disconnecting or removing the anchors) and compressed into a small package for portability. Embodiments can be provided with multiple different types of anchors so as to provide users with the ability to assemble their sports court in a variety of different environments. By providing a space (which may also be referred to as a center section or net substitution area) between opposing sides of a sports court, embodiments can eliminate the need to provide a net in a portable system for playing net sports. The net substitution area can act as a distance barrier, rather than a vertical or physical barrier, to separate opposing sides. Embodiments thus allow for a variety of games to be played. For example, games like volleyball can be played with essentially all the same rules, except that the ball has to travel over the net substitution area instead of over a net during volleying. Games like hand ball (which is typically played against a wall) can also be played by requiring that players bounce the ball in the center section before sending it to the other side, and keep it from bouncing on their own sides.

With reference now to FIG. 4, a block diagram is shown which illustrates one example of a method 400 of providing a portable system for playing sports, in accordance with an embodiment. At block 402, a first member is provided which is configured to define the outer boundary of a sports court. At block 404, a second member is provided which is configured to define a space between opposing sides of the sports court. The first and second members can have a generally planar configuration in their assembled position (i.e., when defining the sports court). At block 406, anchors are provided which are configured to anchor the first and second members to the ground. The anchors can include stakes, weights, bags which can be filled with weighted material, fasteners, and/or adhesive.

As the net substitution area or center section in various embodiments lies on the ground, it does not require firm anchoring in order to remain in place (although it can, of course, still be anchored in some embodiments). Also, by providing adjustable interior lines to define the net substitution area, embodiments allow users to adjust the court for different skill levels or game objectives. As the interior lines are moved away from each other, the players are separated by a greater distance. In addition, as an interior line encroaches into one player's (or team's) side, the size of that player's side is reduced, making it more difficult for the opposing player to target the ‘in bounds’ area of the other player. Thus, a better player may be given a larger ‘in bounds’ area (making it easier for a less skilled player to target), and a less skilled player may be given a smaller ‘in bounds’ area (making it harder for the better player to target). Thus, embodiments provide a way for users to “handicap” a sports court for play, even for games where a net is also provided.

The various embodiments of systems for playing sports described above thus provide a number of ways to facilitate playing of net sports and net sport variations in a variety of locations, including on turf, dirt, sand, concrete, gym floors, or other surfaces, in a small and easily transportable package which is easy to assemble and disassemble, without requiring a vertically-extending net or poles to support the net. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objectives or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment using the systems described herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems may be developed in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objectives or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

Further, although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In particular, while the present system has been described in the context of a particularly configured volleyball court, the skilled artisan will appreciate, in view of the present disclosure, that certain advantages, features and aspects of the system may be realized in a variety of other applications, many of which have been noted above.

Additionally, it is contemplated that various aspects and features of the invention described can be practiced separately, combined together, or substituted for one another, and that a variety of combination and subcombinations of the features and aspects can be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable system for playing sports, the system comprising: a first member configured to define an outer boundary of a sports court; a second member configured to define a space between opposing sides of the sports court; and a plurality of anchors configured to anchor the first and second members to the ground, wherein the second member is movable with respect to the first member so as to adjust the position of the space between the opposing sides, and the second member is adjustable so as to vary the size of the space between the opposing sides.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second members comprise a material having a generally linear configuration.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second members comprise cord or rope.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second members have a generally planar configuration, at least when in an assembled position.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the second member is operatively coupled to the first member.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second member is separate from the first member.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first member comprises two back line portions and two side line portions, the side line portions being configured to extend generally perpendicularly to the back line portions, at least when in an assembled position.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the each of the back line portions is operatively coupled to the side line portions at two corner portions.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein the second member comprises two interior line portions, the interior line portions being configured to extend generally perpendicularly to the side line portions, at least when in an assembled position.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the interior line portions is operatively coupled to both of the side line portions.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one of the interior line portions is slidably movable along the side line portions to adjust the position of the at least one interior line portion with respect to the first member.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the anchors comprise stakes.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the anchors comprise bags.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the anchors comprise hook and loop fasteners.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the anchors comprise adhesive.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the first member extends continuously about the outer boundary of the sports court.
 17. A method of providing a portable system for playing sports, the method comprising: providing a first member configured to define an outer boundary of a sports court; providing a second member configured to define a space between opposing sides of the sports court; and providing a plurality of anchors configured to anchor the first and second members to the ground, wherein the second member is movable with respect to the first member so as to adjust the position of the space between the opposing sides, and the second member is adjustable so as to vary the size of the space between the opposing sides.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first and second members comprise a material having a generally linear configuration.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first and second members have a generally planar configuration, at least when in an assembled position. 